The Thunder .380 is a reliable auto pistol with great ergonomics, controllable power, a perfect trigger pull, and an exceptional price. The Bersa handles recoil well, due to the shape and texture of the grip panels and grooved front and rear surfaces of the frame. The pistol also has a hooked and grooved trigger guard, for those who prefer to place a finger in that position.

Designed by John Browning, the 380 ACP (9mm Browning Short, 9x17) was introduced by Colt in 1908 and by FN in Europe in 1912. The 380 ACP is much more potent than the 32 ACP and is essentially the world-standard personal defense cartridge for pocket and purse-sized semiautomatic pistols. Bullet diameter is 9mm (.356-inch) with case length of .68-inch. Standard bullet weights vary, but most common are bullets of 85 to 95 grains at velocities from around 900 to 1000 feet per second. More important is recent bullet technology, with modern expanding bullets offering greatly enhanced performance over the full metal jacket bullets of John Browning's day. 380 ACP ammunition is offered by all makers of pistol ammo, and the cartridge is chambered by virtually all makers of small to mid-sized pistols. The 380 ACP is comfortable to shoot in medium-sized pistols, but the smallest 380s currently available can be snappy for inexperienced shooters. — Craig Boddington